First, let me say that I love music; all genres: some more than others-much more than others-but I am open to all kinds of music. But my favorite instrument, my very, very favorite instrument is the guitar: bass, 12 string, acoustic, electric-doesn’t really matter. I love them all. This love of music and guitars can be traced back to my early childhood where I spent my time dancing on my dad’s guitar case while he and mom practiced songs for church. I’m so grateful that they instilled this love of music into our family. Music is like breath to my siblings and me and has encouraged us through some extremely difficult times.

Last night, I had an opportunity to enjoy some great music. Ashley and I went to the John Mayer (JM) concert in Nashville and we had a blast. The opening group, Michael Franti and Spearhead, was very good. But the best was JM. I have heard his music on the radio and from the CD’s that we have so I knew he was good. But I had no idea what an incredibly, incredibly talented musician this man is; it totally blew me away. He was absolutely amazing to watch. Let me tell you, he made those guitars sing. And he was all about the music; he didn’t waste much time talking, which was fine with this music lover. We heard a lot of positive and life affirming lyrics as well. Lyrics about letting the people you love know that you love them. Lyrics about realizing how short life can be so live it to the fullest. Lyrics about being thankful for those around you who have helped you through difficult times. Lyrics about just saying what needs to be said and being honest and tender with those around you.  In fact, JM made a very public apology to his band and crew last night for some words he had said earlier in the day that caused them some pain. I thought that was great. Maybe by JM being transparent and honest, he gave someone in the audience the courage they needed to tell someone, “Hey, I messed up. I’m sorry.”  

So, we had a great time and clapped and gave a very appropriate standing ovation at the end of the concert. But, as I was sitting and listening to these wonderful musicians and laughing with Ashley at the exceedingly funny faces the JM makes when he sings, I was not brought to my feet like a lot of people around me. As much as I enjoyed the music, I was not compelled to stand and dance or come to me feet from sheer excitement of being at the Sommet Center and hearing this awesome music. I wondered about that: what’s that all about? Because I have attended Audio A, Toby Mac, Skillet and other Christian artists concerts and was out of my seat and on my feet in no time. That even happens to me at my own church on Sunday sometimes! Then I realized it was because the other concerts were not about the singers; but about the giver of music; God and His son Jesus Christ.

Now, what you may ask makes me think that music is important in the Christian life or that music is a gift from God? Well, for starters, there’s a whole book in the Bible that’s dedicated to music. Read any Psalms lately? Psalms is nothing but the heartfelt words and music from a believer’s heart as he cried out to God; releasing his anguish, grief sorrow and rejoicing in his victories, joy and blessings. If that’s not prove enough, Isaiah 55:12 says: You shall go out with joy and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  I mean, come on, singing mountains and clapping trees? Prove positive that the Lord likes music.

Therefore, to me, music is at its best form when it brings glory and honor to the Lord; when it encourages the downhearted, when it brings tears of joy and grief to the eyes of the believer; when it draws us closer to our audience of One: the ONE-our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, if you see me at a JM concert and I don’t seem as excited as others, you know why. Trust me, I am enjoying the concert and plan to attend other concerts as well (my birthday is in May and Michael Buble tickets would be a most excellent gift). But if you want to see me truly revel in music; truly be moved to get out of my seat and on my feet, well, then Toby Mac, Mercy Me, Casting Crown or Skillet tickets are the order of the day: any concert that helps me look up to the Giver of life and music. J God bless. Now, go listen to some music!

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has started a new traffic safety campaign. It's message is clear: distracted driving is dangerous driving. Okay: I'll give you that one. I completely agree that people need to stop talking on the cell phone, putting on make-up, watching movies, etc while driving: got it. All for it. So, how, do you suppose, did the great Commonwealth of Kentucky decide to get their message across? By putting flashing neon signs over roadways and beside roadways! Cracks me up! Didn't anyone stop to think that these signs could be....well....distracting?  I can see it now: I get pulled over for crossing the middle line on 65 North while traveling to see my dad. Police officer says: Lady, do you realize you just crossed over the center line? What were you doing? Talking on the phone? Putting on lipstick? Painting your nails? No, Officer: I was reading the new signs!